as in interpretation
a distinct treatment of something (as a story or a play)
a mock news program with humorous riffs on current events
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of riff
Black Sabbath’s sound was inspired by their working-class environment, and their lyrics and vicious riffs spoke to the turbulent lives of the members.
—
Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 22 July 2025
The track is a slow-burning charmer that sneaks up on you, quietly building into seismic, cathartic riffs as McLamb reflects on being a girl among the boys.
—Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 16 July 2025
There are several riffs on the candy bar, including desserts like this cake, Dubai chocolate strawberries, and pistachio cream brownies.
—Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 July 2025
Released in November 2024, this modern riff on the 1996 original features a 49.4 mm case in pink gold and two dials with an hour-minute display.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 5 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for riff
Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 22 July 2025
The track is a slow-burning charmer that sneaks up on you, quietly building into seismic, cathartic riffs as McLamb reflects on being a girl among the boys.
—Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 16 July 2025
There are several riffs on the candy bar, including desserts like this cake, Dubai chocolate strawberries, and pistachio cream brownies.
—Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 July 2025
Released in November 2024, this modern riff on the 1996 original features a 49.4 mm case in pink gold and two dials with an hour-minute display.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 5 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for riff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for riff
Noun
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But this interpretation misses the deeper impact of moral courage.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
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Wirth and Hess, backed by a legal team in London, continued to express confidence in their interpretation.—
Orianna Rosa Royle,
Fortune,
20 July 2025
Noun
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Both variations of the Flow 2 have hot-swappable, low-profile switches that can be easily changed or upgraded to give the keyboard an alternative typing style.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
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SECAs are similar to teaching assistants, but there is a slight variation in their job descriptions and they are represented by different unions.—
Kate Armanini,
Chicago Tribune,
11 July 2025
Noun
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Even Major League Baseball hopped on the trend at Citizens Bank Park, where the Philadelphia Phillies' mascot, Phillie Phanatic, recreated the moment with a feminine version of the mascot.—
Alexis Simmerman,
Austin American Statesman,
22 July 2025
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Until my husband, Rob, who read an early version of my book, approached me, confused.—
Ruthie Ackerman
July 21,
Literary Hub,
21 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Riff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/riff. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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